The National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dan Orbih, has clarified why the party permitted the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Wike was appointed as a minister following the 2023 general election, a move that sparked discussions within political circles. However, speaking in Abuja on Saturday, Orbih emphasized that Wike’s service is for the benefit of Nigerians and not an endorsement of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Orbih, Wike formally sought approval from various PDP structures before accepting the ministerial position. “And I can tell you there is no record that the current acting national chairman and the members of the national working committee, or any of the organ wrote him in reply to his letter that he should not participate in this government,” he said.
He further explained that during a meeting in Port Harcourt, the South-South Zonal Executive of the PDP collectively agreed that Wike’s appointment was a call to national service. “We had a meeting in Port Harcourt and unanimously we said it was a call to national service, and we gave him our nod,” Orbih stated.
Wike also received positive responses from the party’s state chapter, his ward, and local government representatives. “There is no organ of the party that came out to say no, don’t accept this appointment,” Orbih added.
He noted that even the PDP Governors Forum acknowledged Wike’s appointment. “I can tell you that at the end of the first meeting held by the Forum, a delegation of that body went to congratulate him in Abuja,” he said.
Addressing concerns about Wike’s allegiance, Orbih stressed the need for political parties to handle their members with care. “Now I have told you that his participation in this government is not an issue, except for those who are mischievous,” he said.
Orbih also revealed that members of the PDP Board of Trustees had recently met with Wike at his official residence, and the issue of his role in the administration was not raised.
According to him, Wike’s acceptance of the ministerial position was done transparently, with due consultation across all levels of the party.
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